Dwr Cymru Welsh Water has gone out to tender with a human resources software package contract worth up to £1 million to ensure it has the right recruitment system in place in an increasingly competitive labour market.
The contract, described as an Integrated HCM (Human Capital Management) Solution by the water company, is intended to update the current systems which were implemented in 1997.
Welsh Water said only limited changes have been implemented in subsequent years with the consequent development a significant number of manual workarounds to try to deliver expected customer service and mitigate the risks this brings. However, by doing so, this adds new risks of data control, human error and long service delivery timelines resulting in poor customer service.
The utility’s aim to procure a systems solution through a Software as a Service (SaaS) to modernise HR processes to enable it to deliver contemporary customer service to managers and colleagues, which is now a critical requirement.
The e-Recruitment solution is aimed at delivering a strengthened employer brand and modernising the candidate experience. Welsh Water said that other employers against whom it competes for trainees, scientists, engineers, procurement specialists and data analysts have user friendly recruitment systems. In contrast, its own systems appear outdated and potentially switch off candidates due to the laborious nature of applying for roles and interaction/communication.
According to the water company, the external labour market is becoming increasingly competitive and compared to others, the current labour/candidate experience is placing it at risk of being unable to attract the skills DCC requires for the future.
The initial framework period for the contract is 3 years, with two further potential 1 year extension options.
Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 31st August 2016. Click here to access the tender documentation.